From stand-up to improv to sketch comedy, these Toronto comedy venues (and shows) deliver the most punchlines.
Toronto’s comedy scene is full of laughs, with the annual Just for Laughs festival (formerly JFL42) and longstanding comedy clubs like Yuk Yuk’s and Second City.
If you like stand-up, sketch, open mic nights and other fuel for laughter, check out these must-visit Toronto comedy clubs and bars and these big-name comics coming to town this season.
Visit these can’t-miss comedy clubs
Absolute Comedy
This classic Uptown comedy bar venue features Canadian and American comedians. Recent Absolute Comedy talent has included Dino Archie, who has performed at Montreal’s Just for Laughs, and Paul Morrisey, who was a hit when he appeared on Late Night with David Letterman.
Grub: buffet dinner option available
Backroom Comedy Club
The Backroom Comedy Club, in the basement of a Koreatown-adjacent pub, exudes a speak-easy vibe. Regular programming includes Midnight Mayhem: Late Night Laughs, as well as a weekly rotation of shows in different languages.
Grub: La Bella Managua serves tasty Nicaraguan food nearby
Bad Dog Company
This artist-run, not-for-profit has specialized in improv since 1982. Past performers at Bad Dog’s second-floor space on Spadina Avenue have included Colin Mochrie, Mike Myers and playwright Sandra Shamas.
Grub: since you’re in Chinatown, try Swatow, now in its fifth decade
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Comedy Bar
The Comedy Bar (which has locations on The Danforth and Bloor Street West) boasts 150 Toronto shows each month. It focuses on new and established comics who deliver the full range of sketch, improv, alternative and stand-up. Recent shows have included “All of Us Are Asian” and “Gay AF.”
Grub: the Danforth location features a full restaurant, while Bloor offers snacks and drinks only
Comedy Lab
Toronto’s only Black-owned comedy club opened its doors in 2022 to provide a “home for minority comics.” Located in The Annex, Comedy Lab’s diversity-themed nights include F*ckin’ Funny Fridays, Femme Fatale Comedy and Saturday Night Comedy.
Grub: nachos, burgers, wings and the like are available at the upstairs bar
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The Corner Comedy Club
Open mic nights are popular at The Corner Comedy Club. The Queen Street West club accommodates a maximum of 50 guests, so reserve or arrive early. Look for the back alley entrance off Duncan or Simcoe Streets and head downstairs.
Grub: nearby options include Indian food at The Bombay or Thai food at Salad King
Don’t Tell Comedy
Don’t Tell Comedy follows the same premise as mystery supper clubs. You select the city (Toronto, in this case) and your preferred date, then receive your surprise comedy club’s name and location by 8 a.m. on the day of the show.
Free Times Café
At Free Times Café, LOL is just as likely to mean “Lots of Latkes” as it is “Lots of Laughs.” The venue hosts 500 comedy shows per year—and about 900 Klezmer concerts, too.
Grub: the Jewish and Middle Eastern menu runs the gamut of brisket, blintzes, beer and bagels—and latkes, of course!
Jokers Theatre & Comedy Club
Catch stand-up comedy acts at Joker’s, a new venue in Richmond Hill (just north of Toronto) co-owned by Toronto entertainer Dave Curran.
Grub: enjoy a two-hour, multi-course dinner featuring 3D animation at the onsite Le Petit Chef
Key’s Comedy Club
Open mic shows at Bloor Street West’s Key’s Comedy Club deliver lots of unfiltered humour, so be prepared. Booths are restricted to groups of four, but otherwise, it’s general seating.
Grub: consider the Italian eatery Sugo or The Three Speed, just down the street
The Rivoli
Many years ago, a very young Drake tried his hand at improv in the backroom of this iconic Queen West restaurant-concert hall. The Rivoli’s weekly shows include lots of improv acts and sketch comedy. Space is limited, so book tickets early.
Grub: the robust menu includes a signature sushi rice creation called Wookie Balls
The Royal Theatre
The historic College Street cinema was reincarnated in 2006 as a state-of-the-art entertainment space. Recent comedy shows at The Royal have included “Two Dykes and a Mic” and “The Asian Heritage Comedy Showcase.”
Grub: if a bucket of popcorn from the lobby snack bar doesn’t suffice, take your pick of Little Italy restaurants, including Sotto Voce, Il Covo or Trattoria Taverniti, for pre- or post-show dining
Second City
Second City Toronto opened its doors in 1973 and helped boost the careers of legendary performers such as Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy (both of Schitt’s Creek fame), among other entertainers.
Grub: the onsite Bentwood Restaurant, operated by the successful Oliver & Bonacini group, offers a full menu of pasta, salads, finger foods and pizzas
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SoCap Comedy
SoCap (Social Capital Theatre) is a multi-level Danforth venue offering improv, stand-up and sketch comedy. Recent shows have featured professional comedians from Yuk Yuk’s and The Comedy Chateau from Los Angeles.
Grub: since you’re in Greektown, consider Mezes or Pantheon just down the street
Wenona Craft Beer Lodge
Get a belly full of laughs and lager at this rustic Bloor West venue. Bi-weekly shows at Wenona Lodge include Disaster Sketch Comedy.
Grub: fried chicken and other pub fare
Yuk Yuk’s Toronto
The long-running Yuk Yuk’s comedy chain has set audiences giggling and guffawing since 1976. Headline acts have included household names such as Rick Moranis, Jim Carrey, Norm Macdonald and Russell Peters.
Yuk Yuk’s Toronto (in downtown Richmond West) hosts special themed nights such as “Your Hood’s a Joke.”
Grub: dinner and show packages are available—if booked in advance
Check out upcoming comedy and improv shows at Now Playing Toronto.
